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Dr. Zugibe has distinguished himself by his
tireless efforts and contributions in the field of preventative medicine.
Illustrative of this dedication are the following contributions which have made
a significant impact on the preservation of life:
CONFINED SPACE HYPOXIA SYNDROME
The sudden death of two meter readers in an underground
facility led to the elaboration of an insidious danger that can cause almost
sudden death to individuals who frequent certain confined spaces. This condition
was identified and named by Dr. Zugibe as "Confined Space Hypoxia Syndrome",
and a prevention protocol for workers was developed. This syndrome was
subsequently published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences with
definitive procedures to protect workers and other individuals who must enter
such spaces. This article was referenced by The Bureau of Business Practices
who subsequently published these results and recommendations and presented the
Office with a commendation.
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REYES
SYNDROME
Shortly after Reyes Syndrome, a frequently fatal disease
affecting young children, first appeared in the medical literature, Dr. Zugibe
identified and described the first case of this new disease in Rockland County.
This syndrome was previously unknown to physicians in the county. The case had
been initially misdiagnosed. The unusual findings were noted at autopsy
which did not correspond to any known disease. The medical literature was
researched and an expert at Harvard Medical School was consulted who verified
Dr. Zugibe's suspicions. Seminars were subsequently presented to educate
the physicians in Rockland as to its manifestations so that an early diagnosis
could be made.
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CHILD ABUSE
RECOGNITION AND PREVENTION
Dr. Zugibe has lectured on the "The Recognition
of Child Abuse" to orthopedic and pediatric groups, general
physicians, nurses, social workers, law enforcement officials etc. Dr.
Zugibe has lectured to physicians and nurses, He has requested that
emergency departments use simple specialized tests for identifying sexual abuse
in children and taking photographs to verify their findings.
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 HYPOPLASTIC
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
A new type of heart disease has been fully elucidated
called "Hypoplastic Coronary Artery Disease" that was found to be
responsible for sudden unexpected death in otherwise healthy individuals.
This etiology had been overlooked both clinically and post mortem at autopsy.
This study was published in the Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology and
deals with the mechanisms and pitfalls in diagnosis and its importance regarding
the possible relationship to "Syndrome X", thought to be a benign disease. The
findings were subsequently confirmed by the State of Vermont Medical Examiner's
Office in the March 1996 issue of The Journal of Forensic Medicine and
Pathology.
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COCAINE HEART DISEASE
A teaching lecture had been presented to the cardiologists
of Rockland County on the topic of overt cocaine heart disease which had been
essentially unknown to most cardiologists and internists. A paper was
subsequently submitted for publication entitled "Cardiotoxic Mechanisms and
Interrelationships of Cocaine" which discusses the various cardiotoxic
mechanisms and interrelationships of cocaine. These findings are graphically
depicted in a interrelational chart. The paper was published in the
Journal of Forensic Clinical Medicine.
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DEATHS FROM PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS
Studies of deaths due to psychotropic drugs at two State
of New York Psychiatric Facilities located in Rockland County resulted in
various changes in the proper method for dispensing psychotropic drugs to
persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities throughout the
state system and nationally. This study resulted in a broad recognition of
the public health benefits achieved and in the receipt of numerous awards and/or
commendations from numerous entities including the Governor, U.S. and State
Senators, U.S. and State Assemblymen, County Legislators, District Attorney's
Office, political parties, law enforcement groups, firemen, prominent citizens
etc. The Canadian Phoenix Feather Award for the courage of the Office to
publicly speak out was received. The results of these findings were
presented at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in Atlanta, Georgia by
invitation and a chapter entitled, "Sudden Death Related to the Use of
Psychotropic Drugs" was published in the prestigious book, Legal Medicine
1980, edited by Cyril Wecht. (See
Psychotropic Drugs)
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PREVENTABLE ANESTHESIA DEATHS
During the investigation of an anesthesia mishap, it was
found that local hospitals were not equipped with oxygen analyzer alarm units,
the use of which may have prevented a needless death. This constituted a major
deviation from the industry standards set forth in the "Manual on Minimum
National Standards". Recommendations were made and fully implemented by the
hospitals. A commendation from the U.S. Health Department Center for Disease
Control was received.
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A.I.D.S., CONDOMS, TEEN PREGNANCIES &
CONFIDENTIALITY
A lecture was presented at the New York State Legislative
Day Conference at the Empire State Plaza in Albany entitled "AIDS, Condoms
Teen Pregnancies and Confidentiality" to educate legislators as to the
medical aspects of these problems so that appropriate legislation may be enacted
to protect our teens. A lecture was also presented at the Clarkstown Town Hall
on the same topic to educate the citizens of Rockland County, including
teenagers, county and municipality officials, school board officials and
parents. The findings regarding heart disease, inheritable diseases and other
diseases with their possible ramifications have likewise been routinely
discussed with families of decedents.
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PROPER CPR & FIRST AID TECHNIQUES
Information has been provided to emergency medical
technicians and paramedics on improper techniques utilized during CPR prior to
the death of individuals. The results of post mortem examinations
regarding the presence of contagious diseases have likewise been disseminated to
facilitate prompt preventative treatment by the emergency services personnel,
family and associates of the decedent.
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DNA PRIMER & THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS
Lectures have been presented on the effects of drugs to
physicians and health care workers attending the Hudson Valley Regional Poison
Center Symposium and to social workers at the Fire Training Center. In
cooperation with Dr. Bing, a distinguished DNA expert from the Boston based CNR
Labs, training lectures have been given to county law enforcement officers and
district attorney personnel on the use, handling, safeguards, and shortcomings
of DNA techniques for use in criminal cases and identification during a
symposium and workshop at Lederle Laboratories.
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